Logo Design and Branding

Way back in 1999, I created a logo design for an upstart business in my small home town of Greenville, Kentucky. It was my very first paid project, and I crafted it in my dorm room at Murray State University. That initial patron was starting a computer repair shop, which also performed networking tasks. A new lawn equipment seller, which was based in Greenville as well, soon followed and hired me to design their business’s first logo art. I have pursued the elusive art of branding steadfastly ever since. I find great satisfaction in summarizing a company’s entire mission and spirit in one concise image.

Since I completed those fledgling logo projects, I have developed comprehensive packages that will suit any business’s budget. Do you need files to use for web graphics? How about embroidery file formats for your employees’ work uniforms? Don’t forget the vector files you are going to need for your business’s signage and banners. I will supply you with all of the Pantone color matched files you will have to have. They will be well organized and ready for any and all applications. Even if you need your logo art to blow up to display a billboard without losing quality, I have your needs covered.

Contact me for your own unique logo design

Peruse a diverse selection of my logo design work below. Then contact me today to discuss your ideas. I would love to work together with you to custom build the cornerstone of your company’s image!

Resolute Repairs home repair contractor logoResolute Repairs Logo

Lexington, KY

My neighbor Drew was starting up his own home repair business. It just so happened that I needed some repair work done on my home. As luck would have it, he also needed a contractor logo design for his company. We struck up a barter deal for each of our respective services, then we both got to work!

Contractor logo design story

Drew and his partner Daniel wanted to represent their brand with a simple, classic mark. Specifically, they wanted art that was text based, with subtle image elements. They needed big, bold art that got right to the point, but did not have any specific font or element in mind. Rather, they desired a specific turquoise shade. I used this information to draw up a series of comps.

Out of all of my sketches, Drew chose the version with a simple italicized, bold serif font. Inside the line separating the two words, I reversed out “LLC” in the ubiquitous Helvetica Bold font. On either side of that, I placed circular Phillips head screw shapes. These subtle elements reinforce the home repair business category. The right screw shape also implies a dot on top of the lowercase “i” in the word “Repairs”.

Finally, the capital “R”‘s in each of the words connect. The company could use this separate mark in alternate branding applications, from uniform embroidery to vehicle wraps. I was happy with the drywall work performed by my new client. Drew and Daniel were thrilled with their new contractor logo design. Win/win!

Contact me today for your contractor logo design

The word “resolute” is a synonym for “determined”. Whether it comes to your print or web image, I am resolute to help you to look your best. Does your company need a contractor logo design? Send me a message today.

Cryptilith metal band logo designCryptilith / Cynthiana, KY

The Kentucky based Thrash Metal group Cryptilith enlisted me to create a new logo for them. Their group requested a classic metal band logo with a few modifications. After fielding a quick phone call about their needs, I set out to prove that they had come to the right designer.

Metal band logo story

Band members Shane and Cody provided a list of marks they liked from an assortment of both classic and modern metal bands. Then, they challenged me to create a similar aesthetic. Their taste leaned toward mildly ornate, yet legible, Old English lettering, rather than the hard to read “splatter” style logos favored by Black Metal bands. They were looking for a specific shade of bluish purple. Also, they requested an embossed variant, which would incorporate a marble texture.

After selecting the appropriate ancient style font as a base, I edited the characters to to their specs. The capital “C” in particular evolved into something completely different. It started out as a rounded crescent combined with classical ornamentation. I took great pains to make sure the metal band logo was symmetrical throughout. This involved elongating some characters, removing some of the stock flourishes, and sharpening a few of the edges. Overall, it retains the same dark edge employed by bands such as Opeth, while avoiding their complex details.

The finished product thrilled each band member. It thrilled me as well, since I could once again combine my loves of independent music and graphic design into the same project.

Contact me for your metal band logo design

Don’t bang your head over a shady, cut rate designer in a developing country. You might think that a domestic logo designer would be too expensive, but you’d be surprised. I will provide you with an outstanding logo design at a fair, affordable price.  Contact me today to get started.

Dining Out for Life retro logo designAVOL

Lexington, KY

It was an honor to design the ad campaign for the 2017 installment of this AIDS nonprofit’s biggest annual charity event. Every year, dozens of local Lexington restaurants donate 25% of their profits for one day to fight this terrible disease. AVOL’s director wanted to go with a 50s diner theme for this year’s event, so he asked if I could start with a retro logo design. I jumped at the opportunity to give a fun, old school feel to this important happening.

Retro logo design for AIDS benefit story

AVOL provided a few sock hop and vintage diner images for inspiration. However, the director really gave me carte blanche to create something from scratch. I studied a few kitschy, fun 50s advertisements with futuristic themes. There were lots of wacky shapes on display invoking ray guns and flying saucers. Despite many people’s perception of the 1950s as a culturally repressed era in the USA, design sensibilities were both bold and upbeat. I took these cues to form this concept, which came together quickly.

First, for the background, I made a four point arrow shape in pink to form it. Then I created somewhat of a reversed out shadow in front of it from a darker pink stroke. This floating element gives it an authentic vintage feel, as well as depth. I set the main title in a classic tall sans serif font. Black letters spell the words “DINING OUT”, encased in individual seafoam green boxes. Because they are agitated, they seem to be dancing, grabbing your attention right away. The words “FOR LIFE” also pop off of a wide black fork shape pointing up and ahead.

Finally, the simple slogan “Dine Out, Fight AIDS” completes the piece using a lighthearted paintbrush font in the same shade of seafoam green. The end result is a classic mark invoking drive in movies, bowling alleys, and greasy spoons. Everyone who lays eyes on this logo gives me great feedback. It definitely puts smiles on faces and grabs people’s attention.

Contact me for your own retro logo design

Do you have a vision for a retro logo design? Whether you’re a startup business or a local nonprofit, I’ve got you covered.  Contact me today!

Wolfe County Public library Logo design by Derek PriceWolfe County Public Library

Campton, KY

This Eastern Kentucky reference center commissioned a library logo design and a website package. My hometown clients working at the Muhlenberg County Public Libraries recommended me. I previously had also provided a logo and website for them.

Traditional style green library logo design

The library board did not request very many specifics at first. They needed a strong, traditional mark which incorporated shades of green. Therefore, Wolfe County’s staff chose the tried and true “donut” ring format from my initial mock up sketches. If it’s good enough for Starbucks, then it’s good enough for my clients. I selected the classic and strong Clarendon font to use throughout the library logo design. A serif font such as Clarendon is always a winner in applications like these. After that, I then wrapped the text “Wolfe County Public Library” around around the ring frame. Outline strokes of varying thicknesses in the ring helped give the mark a subtle uptown feel.

The arched ribbon that reads “WCPL” is the focus element, and also suggests a bookmark. The opened book in front of the ribbon creates depth and perspective. A simple “Est’d 1967” in front of the book reminds viewers of the library’s staying power in the community.

Finally, I topped the design off with the green and white mountains that sprawl in the background. These elements are a nod to the beautiful mountains and hollers throughout Eastern Kentucky. WCPL ordered several tweaks and revisions as the process went along. In the end, however, the library board were very happy with the finished product. It was then time to move on to their website design.

“Book” me to design your library logo design

Are you a public library coordinator? Do you run a small business or nonprofit? You need a strong, traditional mark that represents your library’s connection to the community. Contact me today.

Iron Will Fitness Studio Logo - Lexington, KYIron Will Fitness Studio

Lexington, KY

I designed this fitness logo for a new workout studio startup based here on the South side of Lexington, KY. The owner was up against a tight deadline to open his first location. Luckily for him, tight deadlines are my specialty! I was up for the challenge and we worked closely together to bring his original sketch to life. His mark was ready with time to spare, gracing the signage at his independent gym’s grand opening.

Iron Will Fitness Logo displayed at the Lexington, KY storefront

Iron Will Fitness Studio’s logo displayed on their Lexington, KY storefront

Fitness Logo Design for Kentucky Gym Brand

The client provided me with a rough sketch of the Greek mythological figure Sisyphus pushing his fabled boulder up a hill. I thought that was a great representation of building strength through repetition. The original drawing suggested a simplified shadowy figure, so I made the hill a simple “swoosh”, and shaded the boulder with straight black lines.

I chose a modern sans serif and varsity combination to suggest a simple, quick to the point philosophy, while nodding to the athletic clientele. Then I colored the high contrast logo in a black, white, and red combination. You just do not get more clean or powerful than that.

Finally, the simple kettlebell weight silhouette as the negative space in the “O” puts a nice finishing touch on the mark. There is no mistaking that this fitness center is where you go to build strength and become your personal best.

The client wanted to keep his options open, so I also provided him with a few other color combinations. As with all of my logos, I Pantone color matched each version. This ensures that the colors display the same, no matter what the application. Find out more about Iron Will Fitness Studio at their website.

Contact me for your own fitness logo design

Are you opening up a new gym? Perhaps you need to rebrand your existing fitness center. Contact me so we can get started.

Muhlenberg County Public Library Logo designMuhlenberg County Public Libraries

Greenville and Central City, KY

Back in the year 2013, my home county’s library system contacted me for a huge rebranding project. They called on me to create a new public library logo design and website for them. Back when I was growing up in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, I fondly remember participating in their annual summer reading program each year. I also would often stop in to check out books while I walked home on my way from my school, Greenville Elementary. Because of this, I considered the library logo art project to be a very special honor.

Public library logo design in Kentucky – fonts and Image

First, I created a line drawing based on the iconic county courthouse tower using the Adobe Illustrator application. This building happens to be the largest open belfry anywhere in the United States. The courthouse tower resides right across the street from the Greenville (Harbin Memorial) branch of the public library. MCPL also has a branch situated in Central City, KY.

After I drew up the focal vector image, I spelled out the words in the main title “Muhlenberg County Public Libraries”. I chose the Museo Slab serif style font. I love this font, since it creates an identity that looks both classic and modern at the same time. A simplified book shape opens up in the foreground in order to provide a tasteful contrast to the architecture portrayed behind it. It avoids the pitfall of potentially making the design too complicated by still not being too obvious or complex.

All of the elements’ weights are distributed evenly. The book’s shape gives the correct emphasis on the text. To give the piece some more variety, I set the words “Public Libraries” in a larger size at the bottom. The words “Muhlenberg County” reverse out of the book shape in white.

Public library logo color scheme and finishing touches

The dark blue and lime green color scheme is strong and eye catching, while still keeping things simple. Depending on the application, I set the background color in either a solid blue, or the gradient fade you see displayed here. As with all of my logo designs, I created a separate, simplified version in black and white. I have always maintained the belief that the best logos can be reduced down to this format. I love going “back home” to Western Kentucky and seeing my work displayed on signage and billboards. The library was such an important part of my childhood growing up in Muhlenberg County. Therefore, it is a good feeling to know that my work represents it to kids growing up there today.

Muhlenberg County Public Libraries Thistle Cottage Logo

Muhlenberg County Public Libraries Thistle Cottage Logo

Thistle Cottage history and public library logo design colors

Later on in that very same year, MCPL returned to me for a new task. They requested a new variation of my original public library logo design. The new spin on the brand first involved a change in the color scheme. For this particular version, I decided we should incorporate a rustic copper brown and army green combination.

Both of these muted colors combine and hearken back to the heritage of the building represented by the mark. Thistle Cottage is a historic early 20th Century home on 122 South Cherry Street in downtown Greenville, KY. It was built in the year 1912, back when the Western Kentucky coal mining industry was still booming. It is located just around the corner from the Harbin Memorial library branch.

Thistle Cottage was formerly a cultural center that would host touring art exhibits. The city gave it to the public library system in 2013. They then converted it into a museum and art gallery space. MCPL also holds their annual community events there. These events include their Mother’s Day Victorian Tea party in May, along with their Pictures with Santa holiday series.

Thistle Cottage library logo art – fonts and finishing touches

A fun handwriting script font comes together in order to spell out the main title phrase “Thistle Cottage”. Once again, I reversed the title out of the large open book shape in white. Then, I made the book shape a bit taller. This way, it would frame in all of the main title text. I kept the “Muhlenberg County Public Libraries” text intact from the original logo design in this particular variation. Then, I arched it around the courthouse image from the original logo in the copper brown shade. Finally, I recolored the county courthouse in the olive shade of green.

The finished product I provided made the staff at MCPL very happy in the end. While it is obviously associated with the Kentucky public library system, the muted color scheme and classic script give the logo a vintage feel of its own.

Thistle Cottage logo signage gallery

Check out the finished product in print in the photo gallery below. The library features it prominently on the sign in front of the Thistle Cottage building.

“Book” me for your public library logo design!

Are you a library director in the process of launching a brand new library system or branch in your community? Perhaps your own library system has been using the same outdated library logo art for many years. You may very well be in need of an image rebrand! Whatever your situation may be, you should contact me! Everyone in your town will be checking you out! Sorry, for better or worse, I just can’t help myself when it comes to a good pun.

Youth camp logo design for Marked eventsMarked Youth Camp

Illinois

I made this youth camp logo design for a United Methodist Church sponsored camp based in Illinois.  It was an update of their existing logo, which made use of block lettering and a grunge “splatter” element. The Youth Pastor called me to reimagine it with a more modern look and feel.

Youth Camp Logo Design Story

First, I chose the weighty Rockwell Bold font, which was very popular at this time. A font that strong is impossible to ignore, especially with a high contrast design such as this. Then, I filled the letter “A” in red.  This represents how Christians are set apart (“marked”) for the Lord’s service. Many of my favorite logo designs leave out the bridge in the capital letter “A”. I felt that this also helps this design stand out in addition to the color variant.

The client encouraged me to use some swirling vine elements, but to make sure they were “not too feminine”. This gives the design some flair, but is not too over the top. I added a thick black stroke outline around the elements to give it plenty of weight and contrast. Tilting the logo upward also helps to catch the eye. Gradient and embossing effects on the letter “A”, as well as the black background, help give it a high end feel.

The last elements I included were some subtle grunge cracks around the edges of the text, plus a splatter in the background to give it an edge. Finally, I drafted several variations of the concept for different purposes, such as those in which the grunge elements were not appropriate. This kind of versatility is important to clients who may need to appeal to different audiences for funding, for instance.

Let me create your group or church’s youth camp logo design

Does your church or youth camp need a fresh look? Rebranding could be the key to attract new parishioners or campers. I have extensive experience with religious content, as well as decades in the field of high end logo design. Contact me today to get started.

Big Blue Customs Hot Rod Logo Design in Lexington, KYBig Blue Customs

Lexington, KY

Regular client Chris Curtis, owner of the Chip Magician body shop, started taking on more custom work in 2010. Because of this, he decided to launch a new brand around it. I created this hot rod logo design for him based on a pencil sketch he had drawn up by a third party. Chris needed a masculine, powerful image to represent his brand. The end result needed to retain the attitude of the original sketch, while pumping it up with extreme shine.

Hot rod logo design story

First, I started by tackling the color scheme. Here in Lexington, Kentucky everyone bleeds UK Wildcats blue, so I Pantone matched that particular shade for this design’s background. The warped varsity style block lettering in white makes that theme obvious enough. It pairs perfectly with the word “Customs”, appropriately set in a custom font below it. The words are stroked multiple times and shadowed, as is the background. This adds just the right amount of over the top boldness.

Behind the words and background, I added an image of a custom chrome wheel. There is no doubt when you see this that the business caters to an audience who is passionate about customizing their cars. I then framed the wheel at the bottom using two tribal ornaments that subtly suggest flames. Throughout the design, I embellished with chrome effects, gradients, shadows, as well as inner and outer strokes to grab the viewer’s attention.

Finally, I added in some extra bling to the corners of the word “CUSTOMS” for maximum shine. There you have it – one high end, hot rod logo design!

Start your engines! Hire me for your hot rod logo design

If you’re looking for a bold, chromed out logo for your business, then I am your man. Contact me today to get started!

Honor Circle consulting logo design for business coach in KentuckyTurnaround Tour

Bowling Green, KY

Gary Gunn was a long time employer and later a freelance client who coached independent automotive repair shop owners. When I worked with him full time, he had me redesign his website, as well as his brands’ logos. Honor Circle was his premium monthly business coaching program. Here is the story of this consulting logo design.

Consulting logo design story

Since this program catered to Gary’s highest paying clients, I set out to convey a high-class feel. As such, the main color needed to be green, the color of money! I chose a thick sans serif font to communicate that this was an exclusive brand.

I altered the word “Honor” by stylizing the H, extending the left side stems on both the top and bottom. Then, I made the O’s italic to further make it stand out. They overlap with the C’s in such a way that they are “circling” one another. I italicized the entire word “Circle”. This differentiates it from “Honor” and adds more forward motion to the consulting logo design.

A drop shadow makes the white text pop even more. I created the dark to light gradient background by first outlining the text with a thick stroke. I added a subtle light to dark gradient and an inner shadow. These create depth and shine to further enhance the image.

Finally, I topped off the design with a golden stroke outline. I solidified the outline and added a gradient shine to it as well. The end result is a mark that attracted the choosiest auto repair shop owners who were committed to investing in their businesses.

Hire me for your consulting logo design

Are you are rolling out a new program for your coaching business? Then you will need a high end logo that represents the quality of your brand! Contact me today and make it happen.

Auto repair logo design for Modesti's Car Care Center in California

Modesti’s Car Care Center

Culver City, CA

This California full service shop sought to update their existing auto repair logo design. Modesti’s was founded in 1972, and had built a sterling reputation for customer service. As such, the family owned automotive business needed to retain their brand’s traditional image, while adding a modern flair.

Auto repair logo design story

Modesti’s requested to keep both their original font and colors. However, they could not provide me with image files of their existing logo. Since Modesti’s only provided photographs, I meticulously retraced their custom drawn script font. Next, I created an orange gradient effect in order to give the main title a high end shine.

Finally, I added thick orange, white, and black strokes. These add depth, and also make the name pop off of the background. I then combined the familiar “Doughnut Frame” and “Hand Grasping Wrench” elements behind the name. Sometimes the most obvious solution is the best one!

The bold white font spelling “Car Care Center” over the green circular frame hearkens another West Coast business institution, Starbucks. I styled the hand and wrench with detailed shadows and highlights. This creates a realistic illustration for this auto repair logo design. Finally, I embossed the shop’s establishment date on the chrome wrench. This is one last reminder of their strength and stability. I also provided the shop with simplified versions of the logo. Both the black and white versions and solid color versions leave out the chrome and gradient. I also left out the extra details of the hand. Modesti’s enhanced their brand via their shop’s signage and vehicle wraps. Here are some examples of how they used their logo.

Contact me for your shop’s auto repair logo design

I have been working with independent auto repair shops for many years creating logos, websites, and more. Contact me today to your automotive shop logo design needs.